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Inangahua Times, Volume IV, Issue 65, 7 September 1877, Page 2

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.] [per press association.] I'okt Chalmers, fepte-mher 6. Senrlefc fever appears to hare assumed a malisnnnt typo. Three deaths are reported this morning. r Wellington, September 6. George Jones was brought' up at the E.if. Court this morning before three justices of tho peace. The Bench wanted an adjournment till to-morrow, when the R.M. would be present, Mr Rees pressed, for an hearing at onco as ho wanted to get away that afternoon. M-v Izard bavins stated the case, renc hag por» tion of the articles considered Uifiellous. Mr Rees contended the articles were not libellous, as it only stated that Mr Whitaker sought to pass an Act 80 as to acquire a- great quantity of land " by law " which was open to everyone olse, and that his action was not stated to be wrong, but only uupopular. The Bench ruled prima facie caso was mado out, and wholetending articles was to the offset that the Land Bill' ought to bo called a Bill to enrich Whitnltrr and his friends at the expense of the public. Mr Rees then wanted to place Whitaker in the bos to examine him, but Tzard raised a legal objection that ha could not be examined to prove libel at a preliminary investigation. Jones.- reserved his defence. George Jone was then committed to takes his trial at the Supreme Court ofOtogo. Bail was allowed accused in £100, and two sureties of £500 eaoh. In the Waka, Maori libel action the Judge finishod bis charge shortly before four o'clock, haviug commenced at 10 this morning having instructed the jury as to the issue the Judge said that if they found any of allegations in the letters defamatory and untrue tho verdict would be for the plaintiff, if th-y lipld on the other hand the allegations in the Maori letters should give verdict for defe.idimt's. The foreman of the jury made representation on behalf of others, as to fly exceptional nature of tho trial in its unusual duration, with the view of ertting some special remuneration. The Chief Justice said, lie had no power in the matter, nor was there any r>o,,er under which such a thing could he done. After being absent two hours and a half the jury returned, bringing a verdict for plaintiiF on till issues (G) for £500 damage*,

they then informed the -Tirtlge they would* . \ present their fee,, twelve guineas, to the- ! f Benevolent Society. «